Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy, teen-friendly musical comedy uplifts with song, heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pitch Perfect
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 69 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is entertaining and features great musical numbers, but it has significant amounts of inappropriate content including strong language and sexual innuendos, making it unsuitable for younger children. Many agree that while the humor resonates well with teens, the adult themes and behaviors presented may send the wrong messages about relationships and self-respect.
- strong language
- adult themes
- inappropriate content
- entertaining for teens
- not for young kids
- good musical numbers
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 256 kid reviews
Kids say this film is entertaining and funny, with catchy music and positive themes of teamwork and self-expression, but many also note the presence of inappropriate humor, including sexual references, strong language, and some crude jokes that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. While some found these elements detracted from the movie, others believe that they are manageable for older teens and that the enjoyment of the music and humor can outweigh these concerns.
- entertaining and funny
- strong language
- sexual references
- suitable for teens
- positive themes
- music is great
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Beca (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring mixmaster/DJ, is a freshman at Barden University in PITCH PERFECT. Her father, a professor, won't let her drop out of college to move to Los Angeles and start her DJ-ing career without having her try college first. He ups the ante when he notices Beca spending more time in her dorm room than out on campus, attending classes and getting to know her peers. If she joins one group and gives it her all and still ends the year determined to move, he'll finance it himself. So off to the Bellas she goes; the Bellas, once an esteemed all-girl a cappella group, need new members. At the nationals the previous year, the now co-captain, Aubrey (Anna Camp), threw up onstage, ruining their chances. Then again, the Bellas have always played second fiddle to the Treblemakers, Barden's all-male group; the Bellas' repertoire is steeped in old songs, and they're stale. Beca thinks it's time to shake things up, and most everyone else agrees, but Aubrey is firmly in the skeptical camp. Can they make a comeback at this year's nationals? And can Beca keep her mind on the game when the Treblemakers' sweet and talented Jesse (Skylar Astin) is such a distraction?
Is It Any Good?
It's a joy to watch a comedy like this, which wraps you up in belly laughs and catchy songs and makes whatever ails you seem far, far away. Let's take it from the top: Pitch Perfect's Kendrick is a delight. Plus, special kudos to Rebel Wilson, whose subversively awesome Fat Amy bravely reclaims a word meant to hurt her. And all of the a cappella troupes assembled here (or the voices behind them) are fantastic. Never mind that they're kitschy and earnest and seriously competitive about their craft (which, in some circles, is considered decidedly uncool). The beauty of it is they don't care; they just want to make music. Pitch Perfect hits lots of the right notes and will leave you in stitches and singing long after the credits roll.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Beca seems so jaded when she first steps on campus in Pitch Perfect. Is her position -- that she doesn't need to be in college to pursue her dream -- defensible?
Fat Amy calls herself "fat" as a way to get ahead of any possible bullying and because she's proud of herself just the way she is. What do you think of this approach? (Also, talk to your kids about bullying and why it's not OK, plus how to handle it if it happens to them.)
Do college campuses really have this much competition among student groups? Are a cappella groups this cutthroat? What's the realistic take on this?
How do the characters demonstrate the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and curiosity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 28, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : December 18, 2012
- Cast : Anna Kendrick , Brittany Snow , Elizabeth Banks
- Director : Jason Moore
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual material, language and drug references
- Last updated : January 18, 2026
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